What is the deadline for a Ben Jerrys franchisee to submit a written request for an extension of the Evaluation Period?
Ben_Jerrys Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
[Item 5: INITIAL FEES]
Preliminary Agreement Deposit
If you will operate a Scoop Shop (which is not developed and operated under a Development Agreement), you will sign a Preliminary Agreement before you sign the Franchise Agreement. When you sign the Preliminary Agreement, you must pay us a non-refundable deposit (the "Preliminary Agreement Deposit"), which will be applied to your initial franchise fee. For new franchisees, the Preliminary Agreement Deposit will be $10,000; for existing franchisees, the Preliminary Agreement Deposit will be $5,000. You must locate a site during the "Evaluation Period," which is a period of twelve (12) months from the signing of the Preliminary Agreement. You may request up to two (2) six-month extensions of the Evaluation Period – each extension will be for an additional six-month period. A request for an extension of the Evaluation Period must be made to us, in writing, at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the then-current Evaluation Period.
Source: Item 5 — INITIAL FEES (FDD pages 20–23)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Ben Jerrys's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, a new franchisee who signs a Preliminary Agreement to operate a Scoop Shop has an Evaluation Period of twelve months to locate a suitable site. This Evaluation Period begins from the date of signing the Preliminary Agreement.
The Ben Jerrys franchisee has the option to request up to two extensions of this Evaluation Period, with each extension lasting for an additional six months. To secure an extension, the franchisee must submit a written request to Ben Jerrys at least thirty days before the current Evaluation Period expires.
This requirement ensures that Ben Jerrys has sufficient time to review the extension request and make an informed decision. Failing to submit the request within the specified timeframe may result in the denial of the extension, potentially impacting the franchisee's ability to secure a suitable location and proceed with opening their Ben Jerrys Scoop Shop.